10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta Bake

By[email protected]

Need a quick weeknight dinner that’s both hearty and comforting? This 10-Minute Comfort Food Pasta Bake is a lifesaver. With ground beef, melty mozzarella, and creamy ricotta, it’s a family-friendly pasta recipe that comes together in just minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, easy dinners, and cozy meals at home, this dish is customizable with your favorite veggies or protein substitutes.

Ingredients

  • 250 g (about ½ lb) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or lasagna sheets broken into pieces – pre-cooked/al dente)
  • 250 g (½ lb) ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
  • 1 jar (about 2 cups) marinara or tomato pasta sauce
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 200 g (about 1½ cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta (or cottage cheese/cream cheese for shortcut)
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

  • Sautéed mushrooms or spinach
  • A pinch of chili flakes
  • Lentils or veggie crumbles for a vegetarian version

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta (if needed):
    Boil pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
  2. Make the Meat Sauce (5 minutes):
    Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in marinara sauce and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 2–3 minutes.
  3. Assemble the Pasta Bake (2–3 minutes):
    In an oven-safe dish, layer pasta → meat sauce → spoonfuls of ricotta → sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan. Repeat layers until full. Finish with a generous topping of mozzarella.
  4. Bake or Broil (5 minutes):
    Place under a hot oven broiler or bake at 220°C (425°F) until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  5. Serve:
    Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, savory pasta bake as a comforting weeknight meal.

Tips & Variations:

  • Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
  • Use chili flakes for a spicy pasta bake twist.
  • Swap meat for lentils or plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian-friendly comfort food.

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